Six companies selected for Ryerson’s Future of Sport Lab

Ryerson University and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) have announced the first six startups selected for incubation at the Future of Sport Lab.

The selected startups were chosen from an applicant pool ranging across Canada and North America. Each group underwent a selection process that included a full day of pitching to the Future of Sport Lab advisory committee and mentor network.

“We are incredibly excited to work with the FSL’s six startups and offer them a platform with our teams, venues and business,” said Humza Teherany, Chief Technology and Digital Officer, MLSE. “With unprecedented support of an incredible network of mentors, we are looking forward to having new ideas and innovations that will ultimately help us with our overarching goal – to win championships and deliver exceptional fan experiences.”

“We are thrilled to have six dynamic startups be the first companies to join the Future of Sport Lab and leverage our network of academic and sport leaders to help drive innovation in sport.”

The startups named to the Future of Sport Lab include Toronto-based Performance Phenomics, which offers brain imaging assessments that offers managers, coaches, and athletes scientific insight into optimizing athlete’s performance and guiding them through recovery.

Also included is Toronto-based Rival.ai, an AI eSports company which provides scouting reports for teams, trainers and the gaming community. Saskatoon-based SkillShark, also selected, creates integrated platforms for coaches, which creates athlete evaluations across multiple sports.

Two New York-based companies were also selected, including Spalk, a virtual sports casting studio providing hundreds of different commentators on live broadcasts, and Stakes, a platform that offers real-time sports wagering between friends. The final selection was Toronto-based The Gist, provides sports news, experiences and community that are created by women, for women.

“We are thrilled to have six dynamic startups be the first companies to join the Future of Sport Lab and leverage our network of academic and sport leaders to help drive innovation in sport,” said Cheri Bradish, director of Future of Sport Lab.

Startups will receive programming via Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School of Management as well as direct guidance from notable mentors in the Future of Sport Lab network, with a focus on fostering research and innovation through these partnerships, as well as opportunities to pilot with MLSE teams.

Launched in September of last year, the Future of Sport Lab focuses on athletic performance technologies, cutting-edge industry innovations and research in analytics, business management analysis, fan engagement, social innovation, and consumer experiences.